May 27, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – No Date to Homecoming

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Guess what? James Needham asked Lisa Sanders to homecoming, and she said yes. I have very mixed feelings about this. At first, I was just shocked. When the realization started to sink in, I was, I guess, a little jealous. OK, a lot jealous. Why hadn’t he asked me? This had erased every little thought (maybe hope) that he still liked me from my mind.

I’m so confused about James. I’m pretty sure I don’t like him, yet I’m upset that he doesn’t like me. Does that make sense? I guess I just can’t stand the thought of seeing him with another girl. I know that’s selfish of me, but it’s true.

Then, yesterday, when I was talking on the phone with Kimberly McComb, she told me one of James’ friends asked her if she thought I would go to homecoming with James if he asked me. SHE SAID NO. Argggggg! Of all the luck!

Oh, well, I guess everything will work out for the best. Of course, Kimberly doesn’t have to worry about anything except finding a dress. She’s got a date to homecoming with Bob Smith. Really, I’m not that scornful about the situation. I don’t even like James anymore. If we had gone to homecoming together, it would have messed things up between us.

I guess it’s going to be one lonely Sat. Oct. 5, 1991 for me!!

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May 26, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – I’ll be there

Mon. 9-16-91 continued…

This morning, I woke up to, “I’ll Be There” [on my clock radio], and had a sudden flashback to the first time I heard it. I was weeding the garden in our back yard one July morning while listening to the radio. It was a little while before Dad and I left for Toledo to cheer Jeremy on on his baseball tournament.

It was 6:20 on a Monday morning and never in my life did I mourn summer the way I did while I laid in that bed. “If only I could go back,” I kept thinking. To be in Aspen again, anytime during the summer. My life is just speeding by too quickly. Before I know it, high school will be over and I’ll be out of the house.

I just remembered something. I’ve had my braces off for exactly one year tomorrow.

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May 25, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – Boys to Men

Something else that has been bothering me is James Needham. We are friends again but for some reason it bothers me that he asked Amy Pierce to Homecoming. Also, this summer, my brother and I went to the Needhams’ house. James and I got along great! A week later, Amy went to his house. The next day, James called Amy and asked her to go out with him (again!) Of course, she said no. She also said no when he asked her to Homecoming. I don’t “like” him, yet it still bothers me that he is after Amy. I sort of feel bad for him because Amy keeps turning him down, but then another part of me is saying, “HA!” Maybe I’m being such a jerk about this because I see James as my only chance for a date to Homecoming. Does that mean I’m using him?

I wanna dance with somebody (who loves me).

 

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March 10, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – The Girl without a Clique

9-16-91 Mon.

Lately, I’ve been feeling like “the girl without a clique,” which is good, but I’m so used to having that old “girl scout” clique. Now, we’ve all grown apart for the most part, and I almost feel lost without it, like I’m floating without any solid foundation of friends to rest my feet on. I guess I really became too dependent upon that group of girls. But then again, I had a group of them spend the night about a month ago (Lisa Fink’s surprise birthday party) and found out I really couldn’t stand most of them.

I guess it’s not that I particularly miss the group of girls, but more the security of always having a seat saved for you at lunch, or someone to call if you needed to talk. If I had to name someone as my best friend it would probably be Christina Mello, though, it’s not official. I feel like I can really trust her. Another person is Melissa Sullivan, but I just don’t see her much anymore.

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February 11, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – I’m back

9-16-91 Mon.

I was allowed to start playing tennis again on Thursday. I couldn’t believe how much I missed it! Now that I’ve started playing again, I feel like all the power and skill that I’ve gained was lost and I have to start all over again. For instance, on Friday, Lisa beat me and I just know that I could have beaten her. Now I’ve moved down to 19 and worse yet, I have to play Christina next. Arrrg!

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January 29, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – Sports Injuries

8-29-91

Today I went to Dr. Smith’s and found out I have tendinitis in my right shoulder. Oh, great. Also, I can’t play another tennis match at least for a week. Even greater. Plus, we lost our match against Strongsville, which I couldn’t play in anyway.

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January 22, 2012

Chapter 3 – 9th Grade – The First Day of High School

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Today was my very first day of high school. It’s really hard to believe. My mom and brother waved to me as I walked up to the fence which led to the school. As I walked down the path to the door of the fence, my sides brushed against the branches of the pine trees. I felt like I was walking through the corn field in “Field of Dreams,” into a new life. As I walked up to those dark, ominous doors of the high school, I never wanted so much to turn around and run back to my mother. But I was brave, and walked through those doors.

I felt so small and forgotten walking through the crowd of upperclassmen. At first, it was scary, but slowly the faces in my classes looked more familiar. I think I like high school.

When I got home, my mom said she cried her eyes out after I left for school.

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December 11, 2009

Chapter 1 – 7th grade – Getting Better

 

Spending time with my friends on a playground in 1990.

Spending time with my friends on the playground in 1990.

 

 

4-4-90

…Guess what?! I got two bulls eyes today in archery!! I don’t know who was more surprised – Mr. Lyons or me!

P.S. I don’t think I like Eric Bass anymore.

Continue reading →

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December 13, 2009

Chapter 1 – 7th grade – Girl Fight

 

Three friends after a dance, January 1990.

 

4-11-90

Today, Sara Smith and Kerry Beckman got in a big fight! Here’s how it happened.

After Geography, I headed to my locker to get my glasses for the movie, “The Diary of Anne Frank.” I had to try my combination several times because my locker seemed to be jammed, as always. Finally, I opened it, got my glasses, and turned around to go to Reading. I noticed there was a crowd forming right around my locker and a couple of others. I was thinking, “What the…?” when I turned to my side and saw two girls trying to kill each other.

I immediately joined the crowd and accompanied them in their “ooo’s” and “ah’s.” They were clawing at each other’s faces and pulling each other’s hair out. In about two seconds, Mrs. Werger came out and pulled the girls apart. I arrived at Reading very excited.

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December 20, 2009

Chapter 1 – 7th grade – Cheerleaders Defeated, Justice Prevails

 

Nerdy girl, center, in glasses and braces, wearing umbros. I am flanked by my mom and brother. Summer 1990.

 

4-14-90

Today is my mom’s 43rd birthday. Guess what happened on Thursday!? The eighth grade had an election for 9th grade officers so, of course, all of the cheerleaders ran for office. They tried to arrange it so only the popular people would get on and formed a little group called CARL: Carter, Akers, Ryder, and Love. In all of their speeches, they said, “Don’t forget to vote for CARL!”

The whole school thought that they were going to win for sure. But low and behold, none of them won! For once, the kids were able to see through the cheerleaders. This little incident gives me faith that there is justice.

For some reason, I felt very threatened by the kids who were deemed “popular,” particularly in middle school. All of the cheerleaders fell into the “popular” category. Perhaps my distaste was rooted in the fact that they made me feel like an even nerdier middle school student than I already was.

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December 29, 2009

Chapter 1 – 7th grade – Life

 

 

My mom, brother, and me at the Grand Canyon.

 

5-13-90

Today is Mother’s Day. For Mom’s present, Jeremy and I pooled our money together to get her an answering machine. I also got myself a Roxette tape…


Life

The never-ending cycle,

We’re all a part of

But no one’s quite sure,

How we ever got there.


People may have different interests,

And may walk to a different beat,

But one thing we all have in common,

Is life. Continue reading →

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December 31, 2009

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – The First Day of School

8th grade trip

8th grade

8-29-90 – The First Day of School

Well, I’m in 8th grade now. I had lots of fun today. This morning, at the assembly, Mr. McKenna told us that if we took everything we learned in Math and Science, we could make an audiocassette. He then stuck the tape into a boom box and put the mike up to it. It was blank, so there was this moment of silence. He said some more junk, then flipped over the tape and played, “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. It was awesome!

Then, we cremated the 7th graders in the cheer-off. It was strange thinking that not that long ago, I was in their shoes being cremated. They all looked terrified much like myself exactly one year ago. Time does fly! Continue reading →

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January 4, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – Volleyball Rules

8th grade volleyball momentos.

8/30/90 Thur!

Well, I made the team! The only problem was, Christina Mello didn’t. I felt so awful! I would have given up my spot on the team for her. She was crying in the locker room. I had no idea what to say.

Later on I found out Christina Mello decided to be manager of the team. I was so proud of her. I don’t know if I would have had that kind of courage. I wonder what Ms. C’s reasons were for cutting her. Continue reading →

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January 10, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – Ups and Downs

My brother and me, 1990.

Sat! 9/8/90

I can really feel myself growing up now a days. For instance, all this week was an emotional roller coaster. One moment, I’d feel insecure and out of place. The next, I would feel really happy and confident. Then the next moment, I’d feel uncomfortable and nervous. What’s happening to me? I used to be a happy little kid. Phew! Puberty really wears a girl out.

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January 15, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – To Autumn

Late summer 1990, with my friend and her family.

Sun. 9/9/90

I read outside today in the weak, late summer sun beams. The trees in our back yard are showing faint traces of changing colors. I know though, that it will be awhile before they totally change colors, so I must be patient.

The U.S. Open ended today. Pete Sampras won. I was happy for him, but I am sorry to see the U.S. Open end. It was fun to watch as a family. I especially got a kick out of watching Boris Becker and John McEnroe throw temper tantrums. I am so happy to have someone like John McEnroe represent our country (ha, ha).

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January 18, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – Bringing People Together

8th grade volleyball teammates and sisters.

9/10/90

Well, my first volleyball game was today. It was fantastic! I loved the way the whole team came together. For that hour and a half, we were all sisters. It didn’t matter how cool you were or how much money you had. Nerds and popular people were giving each other high fives.

It didn’t even matter if you messed up – everyone was so supportive! They’d pat you on the back and say, “good try.” If only people were always like that!

Oh yeah, we won!

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January 20, 2010

Chapter 2 – I ♥ Eighth Grade

8th grade yearbook photo

Tue! 9/11/90

I really love eighth grade! I like it much more than I did seventh. The funny thing is, I thought I’d never survive 8th. I’m in choir and orchestra, so I have no study halls and I’m in volleyball and have either practices or games everyday after school.

It seems I’ve never gotten my homework done earlier and I’ve never enjoyed school so much. Volleyball is the highlight of my day.

Last year, it seemed I always had hours of homework. This was probably so because I procrastinated so much it made my homework seem twice as long! Now, I don’t have time to procrastinate!

I love 8th grade!!!

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January 24, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – Appreciate Happiness

Summer Loving

September 12, 1990

Wed! 9-12-90

Well, I had another volleyball game today. We beat Albion(?) 2 out of 3 games. The bleachers were almost all filled up. It was great having the school cheer us on. In fact, it probably helped us out during the tough moments. The only thing I don’t like about winning is that the other team has to lose. I know I would be incredibly disappointed if we ever lost.

It seems like whenever I have a lot of work or problems, I just wish it was summer again. Life is so simple and carefree during the summer. But if life were always like that, it would be incredibly boring. Besides, hardwork, problems, and grief just make you enjoy happiness more.

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January 29, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Kamikaze

October 7, 1990

Eighth grade volleyball memories.

Sun. 10-7-90

I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s game. I want to play the best I’ve ever played in my life tomorrow. They don’t call me “kamikaze” for nothing, you know. Want to hear how I got that nickname? Sure!

After Wed. game at dinner, my family was teasing me about some of those dives I had at the game. One of my personal favorites was when the ball was about to land a few feet in front of me and since it would have been the other team’s game point, I tried to pancake it – only I went a little too far and it hit the upper region of my arm, but everyone thought it bounced off my head. Well, at least it was legal! It turned out I did all that in vain, though, because we lost anyhow. Somehow, my parents came up with “kamikaze.” Continue reading →

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February 7, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – The End of Volleyball Season

10-8-90

Well, today was our last home volleyball game. We were killed. I had a lousy game. I don’t even want to talk about it.

Guess what?!? I’m almost positive I’m going to make honor roll! Yes! I almost had a heart attack during choir because I was afraid I got a C in math. So right after ninth period, I went straight up to Mrs. Schwartz and asked her what I got on my latest math test. Praise the Lord! I got a B!!! Continue reading →

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February 17, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Report Cards

Written in the margin of the notebook:  Sept. 17, 1990 – The day I got my braces off!

10-9-90 Tue!

Well, we got our report cards back today. I made honor roll by the skin of my unbraced teeth. Mr. Pine gave me a B when I thought I had an A. Oh well, at least I made honor roll! I’ll get an A out of Mr. Pine yet!

Tomorrow we play Cloverleaf. I really have faith that we’ll win. We were getting a lot of our serves over at practice. I really hope we win for Ms. C’s sake.

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February 19, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Clown Sweatshirt

The clown sweatshirt.

10-14-90

Cloverleaf killed us in two games. It was quite depressing. Now, if we win our last two games, we’ll finish even – Blech!! We’d better win tomorrow. I’m sick of this losing streak. I’ve just about forgotten what it’s like to win. We had pictures on Thur. Ms. C. wore a sweatshirt with a clown on the front. She said she thought it was appropriate – ha, ha. Practice was really fun. We goofed off but still got a lot done. I think we should win on Monday.

I had Lisa Fink spend the night on Thu. since we had Fri. off. We had plenty to catch up on. I can feel Lisa and I growing apart. I hope our friendship endures everything. It means so much to me. Continue reading →

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February 21, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Slow Dance

November 7, 1990

Please Note: For full affect, scroll to the bottom of the entry, press play, and listen to the YouTube video of the song, “One More Try” by Timmy T while reading this journal entry.

11-7-90

A lot has happened since the last time I’ve written. I had my first slow dance with James Needham of all people! It was one of the most uncomfortable, embarassing, yet thrilling experiences I’ve ever gone through.

After the dance, I was shaking like a leaf! Later that week, I found out he wanted to ask me out. I didn’t think it was such a good idea. So now, we’re still good friends and that’s the way it should be – isn’t it?

I’ve run into a problem. I really, really want to be much more popular. I never thought of myself as that shallow! But I’m finding that I’m really miserable at my current status. I sound like such a snob! In comparison to last year, I am more popular, but I guess that just isn’t good enough. I’m such a jerk! I wish I could just not care! I’ve really tried! Maybe I should try harder!

This was a popular slow dance song played regularly at Medina Junior High School dances in 1990. “One More Try” by Timmy T.

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February 26, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Going Out

January 12, 1991

1-12-91

Well, I’m going with James. He asked me during the Dec. dance on 12-7-90 while the song, “Love Takes Time” was playing. At first I was having regrets and didn’t like it at all. Now I love every second of it.

I’m kind of upset because it seems none of my friends really like me anymore. They all said I was ignoring them last night at the dance. Just because I was spending most of my time with James. I’m afraid I’m turning into a jerk. I heard from my friends that Melissa doesn’t like me anymore or is at least mad at me. It really hurts when you hear it from someone else.

All this was really bothering me until I heard the news Congress decided on going to war. Goosebumps popped out of every pore and I felt numb. Are thousands of people going to die over oil? Sure, they say it will be a small war but isn’t that what they said about Vietnam?

Soundtrack (Press Play):

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February 28, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Basketball Diaries

This page describes February 8, 1991.

Well, its been a month since James dumped me. In retrospect, I guess it was for the best. At first, it hit me kind of hard, but he was right, it was over. It’s just that that day had been going pretty badly already. I had a terrible cold, but didn’t want to go home because I’d have to miss my basketball game that night. I sounded horrible, though, so Ms. C only ended up playing me about a minute anyways. Also, I got hairspray in my contacts that morning, and my eyes were watering like crazy. Luckily, Ms. C. had re-wetting drops she let me use and supplied me with Halls for my throat. I was really touched that she had done all that for me.

Then, to make matters worse, during gym, when we were running laps, some idiot’s foot went out which I naturally tripped over. This wasn’t just a regular trip, this was a go-flying-fall-on-your-back-feel-like-a-fool trip. Oh, well, I’m glad that day is over.

That night, I made myself go to the varsity basketball game, even though I was really depressed. I ended up having a really good time.

Basketball Diaries

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March 17, 2010

Tower City

This page describes Feb. 9, 1991.

Feb. 9, 1991

That Saturday, we went to Tower City to see L.A. Story and just look around. I decided I wasn’t going to get all upset over this and let it destroy my life. I was going to walk in to school with my head held high and a smile on my face. Though every time I thought back to last night, I remembered the term, “no spark,” and my stomach turned.


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March 21, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head

Journal Entry Soundtrack: Hit “Play” and read the journal entry.

Feb. 11-14, 1991

I went back to school with all these good intentions, but ended up being depressed anyway – for the first few days at least. Then, James and I started saying, “hi” in the halls again, pretending nothing ever happened. Then on Tue. or Wed., Amy Pierce and Craig Williams told me he liked Rachel Black. Rachel Black?!? I should have known!! He always paid more attention to her even while we were still going out. On Wed. night, I had Cotillion. Of course, James didn’t show. Continue reading →

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March 25, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Someday

Soundtrack:

Press play before reading.

Feb. 14-15, 1991

When I really started calming down, I looked at my swollen, red, tear stained face in the bathroom mirror and started crying again. After an hour or so, I stopped crying long enough to eat seven or eight pieces of pizza. Then, I sat down on a chair in the family room like a lump. The only movement was my slow, wistful breathing. I stared at the clock on the VCR. It got darker and darker and I felt as though I was blacking out. Continue reading →

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March 30, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Get Mega-Aggressive!

Feb. 15-19, 1991

Luckily, school was snowed out. That morning, I was feeling a little better.

Looking back, I think I just needed to get my frustrations out. I hadn’t cried like that in years. I hadn’t cried, period, in years. Well, anyway, it was nice. It cleansed my system.

That morning, every channel was reporting on the Persian Gulf War. There was a chance that the Iraqis might pull out of Kuwait. Later that morning, we found out it was “a cruel hoax,” as George Bush put it. Continue reading →

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April 16, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – She Shoots, She Scores

While my eighth grade team was playing this game, LeBron James was six years old, and growing up 15 minutes away in Akron, Ohio.

Feb. 21, 1991

Ms. C. had told us after the game that her uncle had died and that she had to leave for his funeral. She would be gone tomorrow definitely and she might even miss our last game. Mr. Smith would be our substitute coach. Continue reading →

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April 24, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – The Promise of a New Day

Journal Entry Soundtrack: “The Promise of a New Day” by Paula Abdul. Please press play before reading.

Feb. 22, 1991

The next morning, I had to go to the high school for a blasted orchestra rehearsal. I was really anxious to get back to second period gym, so I could tell Ms. C. about my shot. Mrs. Kohl just had to keep going over the same songs again and again.

Well, I did make it back to second period with seven minutes to spare. Ms. C. looked delighted to see me. She said she heard about my basket and how I almost fouled out of the game. She said that Mr. Smith was really impressed with how I played and she said Mrs. Smith said I played like a woman possessed.

I had never seen Ms. C  look so proud of me before. I was overwhelmed with happiness. Continue reading →

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April 29, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Things that Make You Go Hmmmmm…

Soundtrack (Press Play): Feb. 22-27, 1991

Later that day, after I finished watching the tape of my glorious basketball game, my mom took me to Ziegler’s to get a new outfit for the dance. Summer Jones was there also looking for a new outfit, so we helped each other out.

After trying on all the expensive spring outfits, I went to the winter clearance rack and picked out a black skirt that went just above my knee and a striped blouse. It fit well and we only ended up paying $20.00 for it.

At the dance, I found out James was going to ask Rachel to dance and while they were dancing, he was going to ask her out. Hmmmmm, sound familiar? Well, I went up to James and said, “I just wanted to say good luck with Rachel.” James looked really happy and I knew we were friends again. Though I didn’t slow dance, I had a really great time dancing and talking to different people. Continue reading →

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July 18, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Unbelievable

Feb. 28-March 1, 1991

The next night, I packed my bags for Washington and got up at 4:45 a.m. the next morning. I arrived at the school at about 5:55 a.m. and checked in with Mrs. Woodward. Our flight left a few hours later.  I sat next to Mike Barber and Chuck Celebreeze.

One of the first things we saw was the FBI building. Then we went to Ford’s Theater, the place where Lincoln was carried after he was shot, and the Lincoln museum.

I can’t remember everything we saw, but one thing that left a big impression was the list of names of those who died in Vietnam.

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October 9, 2010

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Lost in D.C.

 

This journal entry was written March 1, 1991

 

February 28, 1991-March 1, 1991

Oh, yeah, I got lost in the Capitol Building that afternoon.

Carrie Ross, Eric Bass, Seth Clouse, Jeremy Wilson, Alice Lyon, Angie Leonard and I spotted some Congressional Records and thought we’d pick some up for History E.C.

Well, we got separated from our group in this process and we were lost for the next 45 minutes.

During those 45 minutes, Jeremy and Seth got on a press elevator and I decided to jump in, too. Well, I chickened out and made them take me back down. They didn’t get off with me and left me all by myself.

Luckily, there was this really hot guy in a business suit who gave me directions. We talked a little and it turned out he went to the College of Wooster.

Well, after about six or seven minutes, I found the rest of the group. Continue reading →

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December 28, 2010

Chapter 2- 8th grade – Nice shot…for a woman.

April 13, 1991

Hello again! Life hasn’t been quite as exciting lately, but it hasn’t been too bad either. After the fourth track practice on Thur., I was feeling pretty sick. But I stuck it out and went to my choir practice anyway. I kind of regret doing that now considering ensemble did such a lousy job. Hey! I even went to school on Friday. Well, at least till second period. Then, I went home. For the next four days, I was as sick as a dog. I didn’t come back to school till Tue. around third period. During this time I watched about 100 hours of T.V. and read.

I almost relapsed trying to catch up on so much make up homework in so little time. But all I had to do was stick it out till Friday, and we were off to Hilton Head! We drove to West Virginia on Friday night, while listening to the big Ohio State game (they lost) and stayed in some flea bag hotel. The next day, we set off very grouchy with a good eight hour drive ahead of us. After what seemed like years, we made it. Continue reading →

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January 5, 2011

2010 in review

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

Healthy blog!

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads This blog is on fire!.

Crunchy numbers

Featured image

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 7,700 times in 2010. That’s about 19 full 747s.

In 2010, there were 22 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 96 posts. There were 30 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 2mb. That’s about 3 pictures per month.

The busiest day of the year was February 17th with 232 views. The most popular post that day was Preface.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, 30isthenew13.blogspot.com, metadiary.wordpress.com, en.wordpress.com, and mariaozawa2u.blogspot.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for midwestern girl forever, medina ohio, halloween, medina, ohio, and umbros.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Preface October 2009
3 comments

2

6th grade – A Halloween to Remember October 2009
3 comments

3

Introduction – The Public Square in Medina, Ohio October 2009
2 comments

4

About the Author October 2009
2 comments

5

Look Inside My Journals… October 2009
2 comments

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May 5, 2011

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – I induced a smile in a legend…

April 13, 1991 continued…

Now, as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one vacation, I got to see her practice again the next day.

I moved up to the front row in front of her bag. I look around at all the empty seats knowing in a few days, they would all be filled for the 14th Family Circle Magazine Cup.

I watched Martina practice in awe finding it hard to believe a human being could hit the ball with such power and still have it land in the court. In a few minutes, she went over to her bag, which I happened to be sitting behind, and put her stuff away.

When she had finished loading her bag and putting her gold-rimmed John Lennon glasses in their case, she turned around and I found myself looking her straight in the eye. With my mouth open, I politely handed her the pen and paper.

I looked down at her muscle-bound arms with thick veins protruding out of her skin. And while she was signing, I caught her smiling at how shocked I was at her presence. But it makes me feel wonderful to think I induced a smile in such a legend.

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May 8, 2011

Chapter 2 – 8th grade – In the Living Years

April 13, 1991 continued…

That Saturday morning, we left Hilton Head. On the way back, I got more car sick then I had ever been before in my life. I threw up until there was nothing left inside of me to heave. It was a miserable ride home.

We got back in time to watch the Duke-UNLV game. Then, at the beginning of the game, we got a phone call. My grandpa died. So did my great grandma. All this happened while we were gone. Suddenly, the Duke-UNLV game didn’t matter. 

My grandpa was gone. The one who always told those corny jokes. The one who always told me how beautiful I was. I would never see his bright eyes or warm face again. I would never have another grandpa. He was gone.

My dad stayed in his room. He came out later on and patted me on the shoulder. “I was just thinking about my dad,” he said. I really wanted to be able to comfort him, but I didn’t know how. 

I fell asleep on the couch and woke up around 3:00 a.m. I couldn’t get back to sleep, all I could think about was Grandpa. I have to admit, I really didn’t know him very well, but I did love him. I hadn’t seen my great-grandma since I was a few months old and couldn’t remember her at all.

Some annoying singer was whining on T.V. on Showtime at the Apollo, so I shut it off and went to bed. 

I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and found an Easter basket filled with candy and a pair of Sam and Libby’s ballet flats.

Despite the wonderful presents, it was the saddest Easter ever. Dad sat in the living room, listening to classical music, and reading poetry. 

Later on, I practiced my violin contest piece, and then at about 4:00 p.m., we went to the Top of the Tower in Cleveland for dinner.

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May 15, 2011

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – Battle Hymn of a Tiger Teenager

There was a music contest every year in Medina County.

April 13, 1991 continued…

The next day we, alas, had to go back to school. Kimberly McComb came up to my locker to show off her tan and to show me she got her hair cut exactly the way I got mine cut a few days before vacation. Oh, well.

Life was pretty much back to normal until 8th period. Mrs. Kohl gave me last chair! And not last chair, first violin, she gave me last chair, second violin.

Right then, I decided I was going to get a one on my solo for contest if it killed me.

That night, I practiced until my fingers were sore. The next night, we had a practice performance at Mrs. Sabin’s. I had a few errors, but overall, it was pretty good. But it had to be better if I was going to get a one.

So, I practiced even more.

Finally, the big day came. I got up bright and early, with violin in hand, and had my dad drive me to the Junior High. We boarded the bus at about 7:10 a.m. and were off to Highland Middle School.

Medina reported to its homeroom, and I immediately started practicing. I had the first violin solo of the day, and it was scheduled at 8:00 a.m. I had twenty precious minutes to warm up. Finally, at five minutes to, Mrs. Sabin and I headed down to the room I would be performing in along with Christina Mello, Amy Pierce, Craig Williams, Seth Clouse, Melissa Sullivan, and Mrs. Sabin.

Since we got into the room a few minutes early, it gave me time to practice in front of an audience. On the scale, I did okay, but I kept messing up on the solo. Before I could finish, the judge walked in.

Now, the last thing I remember is handing the judge a copy of my music, the rest is a blank, up until the applause at the end. I found out about 15 minutes later, I got a one!

By the time it was time to leave Highland, I had gotten a one on my solo, a one on my quartet, a one on the orchestra ensemble, and a two for singing ensemble.

By the way, Mrs. Kohl didn’t treat me any differently on Monday.

And no, Martina didn’t win the Family Cup, Sabitini did.

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May 22, 2011

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – The Last Day Dance

April 13, 1991 continued…

Yesterday night was our last day dance. In a way, it’s a nice thought considering I hated most day dances, but in another way, it’s sad because it’s a sign that my Junior High days are running out.

In a way, it’s the last phase of the innocent, protected childhood I’ve lived with all my life. I’m not quite sure what to expect out of high school. Just the thought of it makes my stomach ache.

After the dance, I was going to go to Kimberly McComb’s house and just as I was about to leave, my mom suddenly hugged me.

This picture was taken at a junior high dance.

This picture was taken at a junior high dance.

“I can’t believe how much you’ve grown,” she said, as tears moistened her eyes.

All I could manage to spit out was, “You always get like this around your birthday.”

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January 14, 2012

Chapter 2 – 8th Grade – The End of Junior High

Saturday, May 18, 1991

Track ended on Wednesday with the Invitational. Believe it or not, I got to participate in it for discus. I didn’t place, though.

For the fourth year in a row, Medina won the Invitational. It was a glorious moment! When we were handed that huge trophy and got to jog around the track once with it, I was on such a high for the rest of the night.

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My last Junior High dance for the rest of my life was last night. Before that was the eighth grade picnic. I talked to all the different people I had gotten to know this year. It was nice.

It’s really hard to believe eighth grade is almost over and that pretty soon, I’ll be in high school. I loved eighth grade, and really don’t want it to end. So many things happened and I’ve changed so much. Sometimes I wish life was like a movie in a VCR and you could rewind and replay your favorite parts. Instead, once you’ve lived something, it’s gone forever, living only in your memory.

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January 14, 2012

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,700 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

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